THE INSPIRATION

Corner bake shops and quaint cupcakeries have been the monuments and landmarks highlighting Ericka Frank’s travels, from Switzerland to San Francisco, New Zealand to New York City. With her eyes always drawn to decorated beauty and a palate forever poised to enjoy another classic confection, Ericka has taken decades of passionate appreciation and turned it into inspired creation. As the owner of The Cup and The Cakery gourmet bake shops, her storefronts are now the palate-pleasing destination for fellow sugar-seeking jetsetters and local fanatics alike.

THE CAKERY

Ericka baked her first birthday cake at age 12 and her first wedding cake at age 14, armed only with decorating lessons from a generous neighbor and a whole lot of enthusiasm. Drawing inspiration from bakeries visited on many trips throughout the world, she continued to refine her signature flavors and classic decorating style over many years, before realizing her dream of opening a corner bakery of her own, The Cakery, in 2005. The Cakery specializes in custom designed cakes, cupcakes, and cookies and is now recognized as one of the premier boutique bakeries in St. Louis.

THE CUP

Relying on entrepreneurial instincts instilled by family success stories, Ericka expanded her business in 2007, with the opening of The Cup in the Central West End — St. Louis’ original cupcake shop. A second location opened by popular demand in Edwardsville, Illinois, in 2009. Ericka’s small team of talented bakers takes pride in offering locally made, award-winning cupcakes topped with her signature buttercream frosting in a variety of iconic designs. The cupcakes are joined by other ready-to-indulge favorites, including gooey butter cake, single-layer cakes and frosted sugar cookies. Each serving is a delightful feast for both your eyes and your palate!